Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
1.Intent
This laboratory technique describes the processes for use, storage, spill resolution and
disposal for methylated spirits. The technique also provides information on fire, explosion and
hazards as well as first aid treatment.
2. Product description
Methylated spirits is a Class 3: Flammable Liquid and has damaging properties as follows:
Methylated spirits toxicity information
Inhalation
Vapour levels of 5,000 to 10,000 ppm will irritate the mouth, throat, nose and
respiratory system. Inhalation may lead to coughing, intoxication, nausea,
dizziness, initial mental excitement, drowsiness, stupor and coma.
Ingestion
Bitter taste. Can cause intoxication, flushing, mental excitement, central
nervous system depression, headache, nausea, dizziness, incoordination,
impaired judgement, dullness, stupor and coma.
Skin
Will dry out the skin, which may lead to redness and irritation. Reported to
be absorbed through damaged skin, leading to similar symptoms as when
swallowed.
Eye
Liquid is a severe irritant. Vapour levels of 5,000 ppm will cause irritation and
tearing.
Chronic Effects
Chronic exposure to vapour may result in headache and symptoms of
central nervous system depression. Absorbed into the body by inhalation
and ingestion. Excessive acute absorption may cause central nervous
system depression. Excessive chronic absorption may result in liver injury.
Excessive ingestions can lead to alcoholism.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
3. Use of methylated spirits
3.1 Mandatory PPE
When handling methylated spirits, ensure you utilise the following mandatory PPE:
• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional
protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at
the wrist) can also be worn.
• Nitrile, super nitrile or butyl rubber gloves.
• Eye protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying
with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).
3.2Precautions
When handling methylated spirits:
• It is advisable to apply a barrier cream to the hands prior to use.
• Always have at least one other person present in the laboratory.
• Keep containers closed and in an upright position when not in use.
• Keep containers away from sources of heat (including hot plates, Bunsen burners,
ovens and sunlight).
• Use only in a well ventilated area.
• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene when using methylated spirits, by always
washing hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using toilet facilities.
• It is advisable to apply a moisturiser after washing hands.
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3.3Decanting
When decanting methylated spirits, the following must be observed:
• Decanting must be carried out in a fume cupboard (do not inhale vapours).
• Decanted aliquots can be stored in reagent bottles.
• Never return decanted aliquots to the supply container.
• Dispose of unused aliquots in an appropriate manner (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Before decanting from one metal container to another metal container, connect an
earthing strap between the containers or have one or both of the containers connected
to an earthing rod.
Video 1: Decanting
3.4Labelling
Containers must be appropriately labelled.
Containers with a capacity larger than 500 mL:
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Figure 1: Labelling on containers >500 mLNC
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Labels on containers require the following information:
• Product and chemical name.
• Dangerous goods class (e.g. Class 3: Flammable Liquid).
• United Nations (UN 1170) number.
• Ingredients and formulation details where relevant.
• Risk phrases.
• Safety phrases.
• First aid procedures.
• Emergency procedures.
• Details of manufacturer or importer.
• Reference to MSDS.
Containers with a capacity smaller than 500 mL:
Labels on containers require the product and chemical name.
Figure 2: Labelling on wash bottle <500 mL
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3.5 Carrying methylated spirits
Methylated spirits containers are to be transferred as follows:
• Wash bottles and flasks <1.5 L may be transferred by hand.
• Small (<2.5 L) and medium containers (up to 2.5 L) must be carried using a laboratory
carrier.
• Containers with a mass of 20 kg or larger must be transferred using a trolley.
Figure 3: Labelling on reagent bottle <500 mL
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
4. Storage of methylated spirits
To prevent injury to personnel, damage to equipment and to meet legislative storage
requirements, methylated spirits is to be stored as follows:
4.1 Storage general
Methylated spirits, being a flammable liquid is to be stored as follows:
• Monitor containers for deficiencies such as damage or leaks on a monthly basis.
• Store in an approved container with appropriate labelling.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and protected against physical damage.
• Prevent vapours collecting in enclosed or low lying areas.
• Never store with food, beverages or food packaging.
Methylated spirits cannot be stored with any of the following substances:
Class
Definition
Chemicals included in this class
1
Explosives
–
2.1
Flammable Gases
Liquid Petroleum gas, Dymark Spray and Mark
Aerosol (paint), Hydrogen (compressed).
2.3
Toxic Gases
–
4.2
Spontaneously Combustible
Substances
Activated Charcoal.
5.1
Oxidising Agents
Ammonium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Perchloric
Acid, Silver Nitrate, Potassium Permanganate,
Chromic Acid.
5.2
Organic Peroxides
–
6
Toxic Substances (where toxic
substances are cyanides and
corrosives are acids)
Ammonium Oxalate, Mercuric Iodide, Phenol
crystals and solution, Barium Chloride (6.1),
Chloroform (6.1), Methyl Orange (6.1), Potassium
Chromate (6.1), Trichloroethylene (6.1).
Radioactive Substances
Americium/Berylium, Cesium.
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Class
Definition
Chemicals included in this class
9
Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Lead (metal plate), Magnesium (tooling plate/slab).
4.2 Laboratory storage
• For quantities of 20 litres or less, store in a bunded, vented flammable liquid storage
cabinet (complying with AS 1940).
• Storage cabinets must be located away from sources of heat such as hot plates,
Bunsen burners, ovens and sunlight.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers available near any storage area. Suitable
extinguishers include carbon dioxide, dry chemical and foam.
4.3 Bulk storage
• For bulk storage, e.g. 200 litre drums, store in a secure, well ventilated, bunded storage
area.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers in and near any bulk storage area. Suitable
extinguishers include carbon dioxide, dry chemical and foam.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
5. Spill resolution
Spills or leaks of methylated spirits must be cleaned up immediately.
5.1 Mandatory PPE
• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional
protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at
the wrist) may also be worn.
• Respiratory Equipment eg. Half-Face Filter Respirator Class A1P2 (complying with
AS/NZS 1715) for spills in excess of 1 litre.
• Nitrile, super nitrile or butyl rubber gloves.
• Eye protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying
with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).
5.2 Immediate action
• Stop any leak if safe to do so.
• Evacuate all unnecessary personnel.
• Turn off all sources of heat.
• Keep combustible materials away from the immediate area of the spill.
• Turn off air conditioning (if possible).
• Open windows and doors to increase ventilation (if possible).
• Use a water spray to prevent vapours from entering the atmosphere.
• Inform the local authority and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if contamination
of sewers or waterways occurs.
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Video 2: Spill procedures
5.3 Clean up
• Cover the spill with absorbent material such as Chemsorb, Bentonite or Vermiculite
until all the fluid has been absorbed.
• Place the contaminated absorbent material in a closed fume cupboard free from any
heat source and allow the solvent to evaporate using the air from the exhaust system.
• Once the contaminated absorbent material is dry, place it into a plastic bag and seal
with a cable tie for subsequent disposal (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Ventilate the spill site to evaporate any remaining liquid and dispel vapours.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
6.Disposal
6.1Pre-Treatment
• Empty methylated spirit containers (including 200 litre drums) should be thoroughly
washed out with water. The washings are to be absorbed by an inert absorbent such as
Chemsorb, Bentonite or Vermiculite.
• Labels on empty containers must be removed or fully obliterated.
6.2 Disposal method
The containers and absorbent material can be disposed of as follows:
• Absorbent material contaminated by washings is placed in a closed fume cupboard
free from any heat source and the solvent is allowed to evaporate using the air from the
exhaust system, until the absorbent material is dry.
• Any amount of liquid waste from containers can be collected and disposed of by a
licensed disposal agency.
• Washed out supply drums can be recycled.
• Supply containers and degraded wash bottles must be placed in general waste.
• Contaminated dry absorbent material (in a sealed plastic bag) can be disposed of in
general waste.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
7. Fire and explosion hazard information
In case of fire with methylated spirits present:
• Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, BCF or foam type
extinguishers. Use water to cool fire-exposed containers. Spills and leaks may be
washed with copious volumes of water, fog or spray.
• Specific Methods: In case of small fire or explosion use water. In case of emergency
use PPE as required for chemicals present.
• Specific Hazards: Burns with a colourless flame. The vapour is heavier than air and
may travel along the ground; distant ignition is possible. Hazardous polymerisation will
not occur. Incompatible with oxidising agents, aluminium containers should be avoided
as aluminium alcoholates may be formed under certain conditions.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
8. First aid procedures
In case of exposure with methylated spirits:
• Inhalation: Remove from exposure, rest and keep warm. Apply artificial respiration if
not breathing. In severe cases, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
• Ingestion: If swallowed, and if more than 15 minutes from a hospital induce vomiting,
preferably using Ipecac Syrup APF. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
• Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Clean shoes thoroughly before reuse. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
• Eye: If in contact with the eye(s) hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously
with running water. Take care not to wash contaminated water into the non-affected
eye. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes or until advised to stop by the Poisons
Information Centre or a doctor. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATLEY.
• Advice to Doctor:Treat as for alcohol poisoning. If chronic exposure is suspected
consider liver function tests. For advice call the Poisons Information Centre below.
• Symptoms and Effects: No adverse health effects expected if the product is handled
in accordance with the MSDS and the product label.
Emergency contacts
• Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
• Australian Emergency Services: 000
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
Technical
First aid
9. Technical information
Methylated spirits chemical and physical information
Molecular Formula
-
Appearance
Clear, colourless, mobile liquid. Miscible with water in all
proportions.
Melting Point
-117 °C
Boiling Point
Approx 78 °C
Solubility in Water
Miscible with water in all proportions.
Specific Gravity
0.79
Flash Point
15 °C
Stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions..
Incompatible Materials
Strong oxidising agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Thermal decomposition may result in the release of toxic
and/or irritating fumes including carbon monoxide and
carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerisation
Will not occur.
Hazardous Reactions
-
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Methylated Spirits
METHOD C304
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
The following controls are used by TMR to minimise risks when handling methylated spirits:
Current Transport and Main Roads controls
Engineering Controls / Ventilation
Fume Cupboard complying with AS 1807 and AS 2243.
Safe Work Procedures
As per this technique/MSDS.
First Aid Facilities
Eyewash station, safety shower, and normal washroom
facilities.
Spill Procedures
Refer to Sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Waste Disposal Procedures
Refer to Section 6.2.
Fire/Explosion Hazard
Refer to Section 7.
Administrative Controls
Nil
PPE
Refer to Section 5.1.
Emergency Procedures
Phone 1800 638 556
Training Provided
Assessed element of competency.
Previous Monitoring Results
Nil
Storage & Handling Requirements
Flammable Liquid Cabinet complying with AS 1940 and
bulk store complying with this technique.
Monitoring Required
No
Health Surveillance Required
No
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